Lowell woman's death 'suspicious'

LOWELL -- Elaine Sweeney will be remembered as a devoted person committed to her family.

Mayor Rodney Elliott, a childhood friend of Sweeney's, reflected on her life this week after learning she was found dead in her Sparks Street home Easter Sunday.

"I think people will remember she really embodied the essence of commitment to family," he said. "Her friends, her grandchildren ... you always knew she had a bright smile. She'd always speak to you with a bright smile."

Sweeney, who also was known by the last name from her first marriage, McDermott, was found dead by Lowell police about 2 a.m. The circumstances surrounding her death have been labeled suspicious by officials, and the case remained under investigation.

Police Superintendent William Taylor declined to comment and referred inquiries to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

"It's just such a shock," Elliott said Monday, adding that he was notified by police of the incident.

Elliott and Sweeney, 52, went to school together at Ste. Jeanne D'Arc in the 1970s. Sweeney, whose maiden name is Turcotte, according to Elliott, is listed on Facebook as having attended Middlesex Community College. She most recently worked as the manager of secretarial services for Ropes and Gray, LLP.

Elliott said he and the Lowell native rode the train into Boston for years and would often talk about their children. Sweeney had four daughters from her first marriage and three grandchildren, he said.

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Taylor said officers were initially called to the residence Sunday for medical assistance. Investigators from the Lowell Police Department, along with the Middlesex County District Attorney's office and the Massachusetts State Police, are investigating. An autopsy was conducted and investigators are waiting for a toxicology report, which could take weeks, Taylor said.

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